#PerfectDiaries: Amber Later takes us backstage at Tommy Factory NYFW

For their return to NYFW, Tommy Hilfiger chose a quintessential NYC reference as their theme, Andy Warhol’s Factory, where he produced and entertained a variety of art and visiting personalities. The soundtrack expanded out into a more diffuse set of New York references, including Studio 54 era disco music as well as more contemporary NY anthems like 212 by Azealia Banks.

Something I’ve noticed lately is how many fashion brands like to employ “NYC” as a totalizing theme or concept as opposed to a mere setting. I think this probably has something to do with the fact that so many people involved in the fashion industry who move here do so not for the scenery or quality of life, but out of a desire to one day become a similar reference for future generations to imitate and expand on. It’s interesting to observe what, over time, is canonized as classic New York, and what is discarded as niche cultural ephemera.

Set on the East River waterfront on the border between Williamsburg and Greenpoint, the Manhattan city skyline backdrop was partially obscured by the light rain and gathering clouds. The idea of walking a runway in the rain didn’t strike me as unpleasant so much as an unusual challenge that was its own opportunity to expand my range of abilities and experiences as a model. I wondered if some thunder or lightning in the distance wouldn’t even heighten the sense of drama and spectacle, something I’m always in favor of.

The show was a large production, with over 80 looks, a number of which were part of a collaboration with Richard Quinn. Featuring harnesses, whips, and face coverings, these looks added a playful edge to round out the wholesome Americana of other clothing in the collection (the look I wore, for example, included a Hilfiger letterman jacket). Near the end of the show was Precious Lee in a Richard Quinn collab body suit, brandishing a whip and pulling it taut across her chest. In the campaign, model Jake Junkins wore the same look with an additional Catwoman-like mask. It’s always fun getting to use a prop in a show, and Precious in particular is skilled at interacting with and augmenting the unique qualities of each of her runway looks. “If it wasn’t raining,” she joked backstage, “I might’ve given a little crawl.”